[WarInEur] An awkward question

[SGMINFO at aol.com]

Now i don't wish this to seem like 'allied bashing'#
 
But as units gathered on the Egyptian frontier in May 1940, something kept  
nagging...
 
The presence of 3rd republic troops in Egypt.
 
Since the 1880's leading up to Fashoda and the incident there, British  
foreign policy was, and would be, extremely touchy about Egypt. Egypt was  
nominally an independent country, yet under oversight by the British, and part  of the 
imperial family (willingly-or otherwise).
 
Seeing as it a cornerstone of foreign policy pre WW1 not to allow any  
foreign troops on Egyptian soil, particularly French troops (who also maintained  a 
claim to oversight of Egypt), It might not be unduly restrictive to ban the  
presence of 3rd Republic troops on egyptian soil. FF forces might not be an  
issue, being vewed almost as junior partners in the coalition and almost  
dependent on British goodwill.
 
 This , in turn, might serve to explain the makeup of allied forces  
defending the Frontiers of Egypt, both to the north West, and deep into the  Sudan. 
And the ungamer like inactivity itrw.
 
 
-|steve|-



   
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